I've been chastised for not keeping Trouble's topic current. She is now approaching 14 months (on the 26th) and just had her quarterly cancer check while she was boarded during our recent trip. Her bloodwork is as perfect as one could wish for and her heart and lungs remain strong. The glucosamine is helping her stay active - well as active as she wants to be, she has always preferred a good nap. Except for during this horrible rainy season we've had, she does a parameter check of our property line daily. Some days she has to rest, but most days she makes the trip without more than the normal sniffing stops.

If you remember, when we started this journey the statistics were that 10% of those diagnosed with osteosarcoma would make it to the 1 year mark. Missy stood her ground and insisted Trouble would be in that 10%. Thank you, Missy for being so supportive and so positive.

There were five members of the Tripawds forum who had November 2008 surgeries. One of them lost their battle just days shy of the 1 year mark, one of them the day after Christmas, and one just last week. Nova the Dane and Trouble stand alone on the journey. This really has me pretty freaked out, but I'm trying every day to beat the fear demon. While we accepted from the beginning, that amputation and chemo would give us 'borrowed' time, I am now painfully aware of what that means. Dr F and I had a discussion about the 1 year mark being the standard life expectancy for the lucky ones and he assured me if anyone can beat the odds, he is positive it is Trouble.

Ok, enough doom and gloom. We celebrate the gift of life with each new day. Trouble is treated like the queen she deserves to be, and has our undivided attention. She is spoiled to a shameful level. We jump if she even looks like she needs something.

Thank you guys, for being here for us on the journey we never wanted to take.

What a wonderful update. Trouble should be treated like a princess, because she gives you back that love you give her 10x over. I think we all have something to learn from others here. Joyce has taught me to stay in the moment and imagine what you want the outcome to be. Positive energy attracts more positive energy. You can't give into the negative. She is a fighter and will continue to fight as long as she is able. Go, Trouble Go.

Good to hear that Trouble is feeling good! Today, that's all that really matters. It's hard not to think about the future, but Trouble doesn't know about the other dogs and the one year mark, so take heart that even though it worries you, it doesn't affect or influence her one bit. Aren't dogs wonderful?

One of my friends had a greyhound with osteo and they got her leg amputated about the same time I put Brownie on his holistic cancer diet and treatments. Three and 1/2 years later (ahem, let me repeat - yes osteo - yes 3 and 1/2 years) she did lose her battle, but was a happy hound up to the end. Brownie went 4 and 1/2 years, even though he was given 2 years. So you just don't know.

Brownies Mom wrote:Good to hear that Trouble is feeling good! Today, that's all that really matters. It's hard not to think about the future, but Trouble doesn't know about the other dogs and the one year mark, so take heart that even though it worries you, it doesn't affect or influence her one bit. Aren't dogs wonderful?

THANK YOU!. Logic tells me all these things, but my heart gets sidetracked on a tangent of it's own. I know what you say is true, and this was a needed and welcomed reminder.

Today we celebrate Trouble's 18 month ampuversary – what a ride! It is a journey we didn't want to embark upon, but one we learned to navigate as each new obstacle was thrown into the path. For the most part, Trouble has been the leader – she is allowed to try just about anything she thinks she can handle (with the exception of jumping – we restrict her jumping as much as possible).

The day she was diagnosed, we never dreamed we would see 18 months. Trouble was sent home from her diagnosing vet with a death sentence. The vet didn't believe she was a candidate for amputation because she was overweight. She sent me home with a large bottle of Tramadol and instructions to love her and keep her happy – she has 2 – 3 months.

She had her second opinion evaluation the next day. We were encouraged to do the amputation – the only way to stop the pain. We trusted this wonderful man and he has lead us down the path for the last 18 months.

Along with Dr F's guidance, we have the support of the wonderful PBT family to give us courage, hope, and understanding. We are truly blessed.

Trouble is starting to struggle with arthritis and we will work through that in the coming weeks.

Trouble is our courage, our strength, our friend. That she can offer others hope from this horrible disease brings joy to our hearts.

hugapitbull wrote:Today we celebrate Trouble's 18 month ampuversary – what a ride! It is a journey we didn't want to embark upon, but one we learned to navigate as each new obstacle was thrown into the path. For the most part, Trouble has been the leader – she is allowed to try just about anything she thinks she can handle (with the exception of jumping – we restrict her jumping as much as possible).

The day she was diagnosed, we never dreamed we would see 18 months. Trouble was sent home from her diagnosing vet with a death sentence. The vet didn't believe she was a candidate for amputation because she was overweight. She sent me home with a large bottle of Tramadol and instructions to love her and keep her happy – she has 2 – 3 months.

She had her second opinion evaluation the next day. We were encouraged to do the amputation – the only way to stop the pain. We trusted this wonderful man and he has lead us down the path for the last 18 months.

Along with Dr F's guidance, we have the support of the wonderful PBT family to give us courage, hope, and understanding. We are truly blessed.

Trouble is starting to struggle with arthritis and we will work through that in the coming weeks.

Trouble is our courage, our strength, our friend. That she can offer others hope from this horrible disease brings joy to our hearts.